DT has not necessarily been a prime draft position, especially early, in the last few years. Indeed, just 2 DTs were selected with top 10 picks in the last decade, with just one – Quinnen Williams who was selected third overall in 2019 by the Jets – going in the top 5 picks. However, that could change this year as Georgia junior Jalen Carter is currently considered to be one of the top 4-5 prospects for the upcoming draft, while Clemson redshirt sophomore Bryan Bresee isn’t all that far back.
There is also a decent second-tier group of DTs including 350-pound Siaki Ika of Baylor, this year’s top-rated NT, who could also draw some first round interest, while Gervon Dexter of Florida, Calijah Kancey of Pitt, South Carolina’s Zacch Pickens, Jaquelin Roy of LSU, Keeanu Benton of Wisconsin, Tyler Davis of Clemson and Cal’s Brett Johnson all look to be second-day type prospects.
In fact, while there is some real upfront talent at DT this year, there isn’t the same kind of depth that characterize several other positions like QB, WR and OT. The one real downside in this year’s DT class is a dearth of real pass-rush potential, even among most of the top guys. Interestingly, the leading sacker among this year’s top DT prospects was Pitt’s Kancey who had 7 last fall, but he’s a very undersized (6-0, 270) player for the position who likely will have to find a role of a situational pass rush specialist on third downs. Teams looking for a little more oomph on third-down from their interior DL may not have to wait all that long, though, as there are a number of really good sophomore DTs with some pass-rush skills including Tyleik Williams of Ohio State, Miami’s Leonard Taylor, Byron Murphy of Texas and Rod Brown of North Texas. DTs are also well represented among the top incoming freshmen, including Texas A&M recruit Walter Nolen who is generally considered to be the #1 incoming freshman.
Top 20 DT prospects for 2023
April 26, 2023 1:31 PM
| # | Player | HT/WT | 40X | College | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jalen Carter | 6-3, 315 | 4.95 | Georgia | O | |
| Calijah Kancey | 6-1, 281 | 4,67c | Pittsburgh | ||
| Bryan Bresee | 6-5.5, 298 | 4.86c | Clemson | ||
| Keeanu Benton | 6-3.5, 310 | 5.10c | Wisconsin | ||
| Ade Adebawore | 6-1.5, 282 | 4.49c | Northwestern | DE | |
| Mazi Smith | 6-3, 323 | 5.35 | Michigan | O | |
| Gervon Dexter | 6-5.5, 310 | 4.90 | Florida | ||
| Jaquelin Roy | 6-3, 305 | 5.05 | LSU | ||
| Zacch Pickens | 6-4, 291 | 4.90c | South Carolina | ||
| Siaki Ika | 6-2,5, 335 | 5.40c | Baylor | NT | |
| Byron Young | 6-3, 294 | 5.10 | Alabama | 5T | |
| Keondre Coburn | 6-1.5, 332 | 5.22c | Texas | NT | |
| PJ Mustipher | 6-3.5, 320 | 5.40c | Penn State | ||
| Nesta Silvera | 6-2, 305 | 5.15c | Arizona | ||
| Cameron Young | 6-3, 315 | 5.25 | Mississippi State | ||
| Karl Brooks | 6-3, 300 | 5.15 | Bowling Green | ||
| DJ Dale | 6-0.5, 302 | 5.26c | Alabama | ||
| Jalen Redmond | 6-2, 291 | 4.81c | Oklahoma | ||
| Moro Ojoma | 6-2.5, 292 | 5.05c | Texas | ||
| Jerrod Clark | 6-3.5, 335 | 5.25c | Coastal Carolina | ||
| Justin Rogers | 6-3, 335 | 5.20 | Kentucky | NT | |
| Robert Cooper | 6-2, 335 | 5.35 | Florida State | NT | |
| Brodric Martin | 6-5, 335 | 5.35 | Western Kentucky | ||
| Jermayne Lole | 6-2, 325 | 5.30 | Louisville | ||
| Brett Johnson | 6-4, 300 | 4.90 | California | X, X | |
| Brandon Dorlus | 6-3, 290 | 5.05 | Oregon | ||
| Cory Durden | 6-3, 305 | 5.20 | North Carolina State | ||
| Jaxon Player | 6-0, 300 | 4.90 | Baylor | ||
| Jacob Slade | 6-3, 315 | 5.20 | Michigan State | ||
| Scott Matlock | 6-3, 300 | 5.15 | Boise State | ||
| Darius Robinson | 6-5, 295 | 5.15 | Missouri | ||
| Gabe Hall | 6-5, 295 | 5.05 | Baylor | ||
| Devonnsha Maxwell | 6-3, 295 | 5.20 | Chattanooga | ||
| Jayson Ademilola | 6-3, 285 | 5.15 | Notre Dame | 5T | |
| Darel Middleton | 6-6, 290 | 5.15 | Bethel | 5T |
* e indicates estimated time; c indicates combine; p indicates pro day time
** X indicates player has an injury or illness issue; XX indicates serious injury or illness that could impact draft status; XXX indicates injury or illness that could be career threatening; O indicates off-field issue
